Actually a truck - a 1971 PL521. I replaced the alternator with a
rebuild from Kragen's, and replaced the battery with a new unit from
Walmart. Prior to last Saturday, I didn't have any electrical problems,
but the battery was dead on Saturday morning. I hooked up the charger,
and once charged the mechanical voltage regulator made a "click" noise
when I connected the battery, and also a "click" when I unplugged the
alternator (I think this is a clue!), all while the key was out of the
truck and nothing turned on (lights, radio, etc.). I had a spare new
voltage regulator, the much smaller transistor style, so I swapped in
the new regulator. While running the battery showed about 13.25v, and
things seemed OK for the remainder of Saturday, Sunday and Monday, but
just a few minutes ago I found the battery dead again. Enough to make
the radio work (old analog two shaft) but the starter wouldn't even
click and the radio shuts off while in START.
So what is it most likely? Bad new battery? Bad rebuilt alternator
somehow draining the battery while the engine is off, the key removed?
If it's a bad alternator, what do I tell Kragen's so they'll give me a
new one? It does charge while the truck's running so likely will test OK...
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